CHIPPEWAS OF THE THAMES COMMUNITY STORY - Cottfn

c. Abuse – The participants of the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation Community
Story process reported that domestic violence is only too common. It has sadly come
to be accepted as normal. Women also experience other types of abuse, including
sexual, psychological and spiritual. The prevalence of these issues stem from the fact
that some men use control and domination as a common way to express themselves
in relationships. They also use jealousy as a means of control.
d. Role confusion – Gender roles have changed a great deal in the last few generations.
Women used to primarily work within the household and men were the breadwinners.
Now, with so many women working outside the home and so many women raising
their children on their own, mistrust has become a common feature of relationships
between men and women. The Community Story participants argued that men and
women are different in many ways and can have very different views about what is
important when it comes to household chores and managing money. Women, they
said, are more well-rounded, while men are more interested in gadgets.
e. Substance abuse – Some women are not living healthy and productive lives because
they are abusing alcohol and other drugs. In some instances they became hooked on
drugs when they were young and have never been able to move past this
dysfunctional life pattern.
f Educational and other life goals – It is difficult for women to pursue their educational
and life goals when they face the types of barriers listed above. It is hard to study or
hold a job when the home situation is bad and you are living in fear.
g. Stress – Conditions such as those described above create a lot of stress for women.
The combination of so many responsibilities and so little support is taking its toll on
the emotional wellbeing of women.
h. Grandmothers – It is not uncommon for female elders in the COTT First Nation to be
raising their grandchildren, and even their great-grandchildren. This is a sign that
many family relationships are breaking down and that some mothers are struggling
with addictions and other personal development challenges.
Chippewas of the Thames First Natio n Women are Resilient
As mentioned above, many of the working women of the Chippewas of the Thames
First Nation are empowering themselves. They are holding down jobs, getting more
education and carrying for their children and managing their households. They are
Chippewas of the Thames Community Story
October 2011
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